[Medin] said that Google would love to bring fiber and 1Gbps broadband speeds to its employees and other Californians. But he said that in general California has many challenges that would make it too costly to build a fiber network there. He said he hopes that over time, the rules will change and California will become a more hospitable place for fiber networks.

‘I have to tell you that it’s really easy to build a network in Kansas City,’ he said, ‘It’s easy in Missouri; it’s easy in Kansas, and it’s easy in Texas. Actions have consequences. I would love to find a way to make it work in California.’

According to Medin, Google doesn’t want tax breaks or subsidies from local governments. It wants cooperation. Things like construction inspectors who are synced with the project’s workflow and access to city conduit. Things that are harder, in many cases, than writing a check.